New laser makes pacemaker wires easier to replace

[KMSP Fox 9, June 08, 2012] A new laser device was used for the first time in Minnesota at United Hospital on Monday, and Dr. Pierce Vatterott, United Heart and Vascular Clinic, believes the new tool, called the GlideLight Laser Sheath, is a "game changer."

"The new laser is twice as powerful as the previous ones," Vatterott said.

That means life will be a lot easier for any patient who needs pacemaker or defibrillator leads either removed or replaced -- and it's easier for any surgeon, too, because it can remove the leads with less trauma. Watch the story here.